THREE Bromley schools have been singled out by inspectors for their excellence.

St James' Roman Catholic Primary School, Tubbenden Junior School and Langley Park School for Boys are named in an Ofsted annual list of London's most successful schools.

The list praises 99 schools which have received outstanding inspection reports or have shown significant improvement.

Tubbenden Junior School, in Sandy Bury, Orpington, is praised for its standards of teaching and learning and its rich curriculum.

Headteacher Sara Taylor said: "We're very fortunate to have a talented team of teachers who challenge children to reach the highest possible standards in a happy atmosphere."

A report on St James' Primary School, in Maybury Close, Petts Wood, says it provides a very positive environment for learning in which staff and pupils work hard and have excellent relationships.

Headteacher Pauline Sammon said: "Our success is down to the hard work and commitment of everyone associated with the school."

Langley Park School for Boys, in South Eden Park Road, Beckenham, is described as highly civilised with above average standards.

Headteacher Rob Northcott said: "The thing which stuck in my mind was Ofsted inspectors said our school was highly civilised which is a resounding note about the children and the way they behave."

Schools are inspected every three years. The reports were released last week.

Bromley's director of education Ken Davis said: "These three schools pay testament to the enormous hard work by our teachers, support staff and governors."

Lewisham borough is celebrating having eight schools on the list while neighbouring Greenwich had one mentioned and Bexley had two, including one which was previously in special measures.

LANGLEY PARK'S TRIPLE WHAMMY

A BOYS' school in Beckenham is celebrating a "triple whammy" after its headteacher was invited for tea with Tony Blair.

Langley Park School for Boys was described by Ofsted inspectors last week as "highly civilised" and among London's most successful schools.

But headteacher Rob Northcott is also celebrating for two other reasons an invitation to 10 Downing Street and a £40,000 science grant.

He will attend a reception with the Prime Minister and his wife, Cherie Blair, to celebrate excellence in special needs education on March 10.

Mr Northcott said: "I know Cherie Blair has a special interest in special needs. The Prime Minister must be incredibly busy at the moment, so it is an honour."

To prove good luck comes in threes, the South Eden Park Road school also heard it has won the grant from the Wolfson Foundation, a trust set up to promote science and technology in education. The cash will be used to install electronic whiteboards linked to the internet in every laboratory.

Head of science Tony West said: "I'm delighted. The new equipment will motivate all of us and make lessons livelier."